MALAYSIA: UNSC RESOLUTION ON LEBANON

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 001524 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2011 TAGS: PREL PTER MOPS UN UNSC IS LE SUBJECT: MALAYSIA: UNSC RESOLUTION ON LEBANON REF: STATE 132517 Classified By: POLITICAL SECTION CHIEF MARK D. CLARK, REASON 1.4 (B AND D). ¶1. (U) We delivered reftel demarche on UNSC resolution 1701 on August 12 to Malaysian Foreign Ministry Under Secretary for Multilateral Affairs Muhammad Shahrul Ikram. We highlighted in particular the resolution's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, its reference to Lebanon's Seven-Point Plan and the emphasis on the extension of the Lebanese Government's complete control over all Lebanese territory, noting that these elements were not dissimilar to Malaysia's own views reflected in the OIC's August 3 Putrajaya Declaration. ¶2. (C) Shahrul Ikram said his government had yet to response authoritatively to UNSC 1701, with Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar deferring public comment earlier in the day. Shahrul Ikram stated that Malaysia's response "would be guided by that of Lebanon and the Arab League." He commented that Malaysia certainly would welcome an end to all hostilities and he took particular note of the wording of the passage calling for an "immediate cessation by Israel of all offensive military operations." He also noted his view that the UNSC resolution was by necessity a compromise that would not fully satisfy either Lebanon or Israel. Shahrul Ikram confirmed that Malaysia remained prepared to contribute one battalion of troops to the future UN force as long as they would serve under a UN command. LAFLEUR